Music Royalty Honored: Quincy Jones' Legacy Shines at Exclusive Pre-Oscars Bash!

In the vibrant lead-up to Hollywood's biggest night, Los Angeles was abuzz with various celebrations, but one particularly noteworthy event unfolded on Friday night, March 13, at the Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood. Titled "Las’ Set: Legacy Experience," this special gathering was orchestrated by HarbourView Equity Partners and renowned musical director Adam Blackstone, bringing together a constellation of R&B and soul luminaries. The evening was dedicated to profoundly honoring the life, unparalleled career, and enduring legacy of the legendary Quincy Jones.
Sherrese Clarke, founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, set a reverent tone for the night, emphasizing Jones's monumental impact beyond mere hit-making. Clarke articulated that Jones "didn’t just create hits, he created moments that move culture," underscoring HarbourView’s philosophy of stewardship in music. She highlighted that "great work is never merely an asset. It’s history, it’s identity, it’s the living memory of a people," asserting that Quincy’s extensive catalog carries immense weight and demands deep reverence, reflecting its profound cultural significance.
Described as an intimate pre-Oscars party, Las’ Set featured a star-studded roster of artists, including Jones’s long-time collaborators, his mentees, and those whose careers have been significantly inspired by his groundbreaking work. These performers took to the stage to render iconic hits from Jones’s vast and influential catalog. Musical director Adam Blackstone, leading his exceptional band, welcomed attendees to what he affectionately termed "Q’s Juke Joint" at the commencement of the show, setting the stage for an intergenerational display of vocal talent.
Throughout the evening, a diverse array of Jones-written and produced tracks resonated through the venue. The performances spanned from the jazz standard "Killer Joe" to the beloved "Home" from The Wiz, alongside a significant number of Michael Jackson’s chart-topping hits, many of which Jones famously produced. The lineup of performers was impressive, featuring long-time Jones collaborator Terrace Martin, two-time Grammy winner Lucky Daye, Siedah Garrett—co-writer of the iconic "Man in the Mirror"—and soul icon Lalah Hathaway. A highlight included a surprise appearance by D Smoke, who delivered an impromptu freestyle tribute to Jones, ingeniously sampling one of his tracks. The celebratory night culminated with an electrifying performance by the 2026 Grammy Award winner Durand Bernarr, who closed the show with Rufus and Chaka Khan’s seminal hit "Do You Love What You Feel," a track that famously reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1979.
The star power was not confined to the stage; the audience itself was filled with notable personalities from across the entertainment industry. Esteemed figures such as Dr. Dre, Hit-Boy, and Jimmy Jam were observed among the revelers. Actresses Jurnee Smollett and Natasha Lyonne, singer Estelle, and prolific film producer William Packer also graced the event with their presence. Adding a deeply personal touch to the celebration, members of Quincy Jones’s own family, including Quincy Jones III (QD3) and Martina Jones, were in attendance, visibly moved and excited to commemorate their father’s extraordinary legacy.
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